UPDATED: AUGUST 2025
Hello, Lovely Readers! Today I’m talking about bridesmaids, bridesmen, and groomsmen, and their financial responsibilities as members of your wedding party.
I see a lot of debate online about ‘What does a bridesmaid pay for’ - dresses, shoes, hair, travel - and sadly, I also see a lot of friendships strained over it. If it’s true that money is at the root of most arguments for married couples, then it seems the same can also be said of you and your besties.
So to help you out before it gets that far, I’ve listed below the answers to the most common bridesmaid cost dilemmas. From dresses to hair, travel to hen’s parties, we’ll break down what a bridesmaid is responsible for and what the couple usually covers.
From the get-go, my biggest advice? Be clear with your wedding party from the very start about what their financial investment will be. That way, they have the chance to say yes with excitement, or to gracefully decline without stress.
What costs should the bride cover?
It’s standard for the couple to cover the cost of:
professional hair and makeup for the wedding day (so, no, bridesmaids shouldn’t usually pay for their own hair)
bouquets or boutonnieres
transport to and from the wedding venue
snacks and meals on the wedding day
These are the basics your wedding party shouldn’t be out-of-pocket for. Consider them part of hosting your crew in style.
Wedding Day Attire: Do Bridesmaids Pay for Their Own Dresses in Australia?
Traditionally, yes - bridesmaids are expected to pay for their own dresses, along with shoes and accessories. The same applies to bridesmen or groomsmen with suits. But in Australia (and worldwide), we’re seeing couples take a more flexible approach.
With the rise of mix-and-match styles, there’s less pressure for your wedding party to all fork out hundreds on identical outfits they’ll never wear again. Instead, you can guide them on colour, vibe, or level of formality and let them choose something they feel comfortable and confident in.
That said, if you’ve got your heart set on a very specific look (say, custom suits or matching designer gowns), it’s worth remembering that not everyone in your wedding party may have the budget for that. In those cases, the couple should expect to contribute to or cover the cost. Some of our couples even see this as a lovely way to say thank you by gifting their wedding party their outfits, whether that’s a small subsidy or a total treat.
At the end of the day, your wedding party is there to support you, not go broke for you. Be mindful of what you’re asking, and if you do want them in something a little extra special, consider meeting them halfway.
Travel and Accommodations
Another big question we hear all the time: ‘Do bridesmaids pay for their own accommodation? ‘ Typically, yes. Wedding party members are expected to cover their own travel and hotel for the wedding.
But here’s where things can get tricky. If you’re hosting a destination wedding or your besties have already flown across the country for your hens/bucks weekend, those costs stack up fast. Suddenly, what felt like “just a hotel room” turns into a small fortune.
As the couple, it’s important to be aware of how much you’re asking of your people. If it feels like you’re piling on the travel (wedding, pre-wedding events, fittings, parties…), take a step back and consider where you might ease the load. Sometimes that looks like negotiating a discounted hotel block, covering one night’s stay, or simply scaling back on the “extras” so your wedding party doesn’t feel financially stretched.
These are the people you love most. Keeping both their budgets and their stress levels in mind will only make the experience more enjoyable for everyone (and ensure the vibe is all excitement, no side-eye at the check-in desk).
Who Pays for the Hen’s Party?
This is arguably one of the biggest bridesmaid etiquette questions out there: who pays for the hen’s party?
Traditionally, each bridesmaid pays for their own way, whether it’s a night out, a weekend trip, or a few activities. If it’s something local or low-key (like a staycation or a dinner), the group may also chip in to cover the bride’s meal or hotel room as a little gift.
But when the celebration turns into a big destination trip with flights, villas, and matching pyjamas, that’s where things get murky. Expecting your wedding party to cover every expense for themselves and foot the bill for the bride is a lot, especially on top of other wedding-related costs.
Our advice? Keep it kind and realistic. If your dream hen’s is an overseas adventure, consider covering part of your own costs or planning it in a way that makes it manageable for everyone. The point isn’t to financially drain your besties, it’s to celebrate with them in a way that feels fun, thoughtful, and stress-free.
And finally…
Being a bridesmaid, groomsman, or wedding party member is not for the faint of heart - but they’re showing up and being supportive for you, which is exactly why it’s worth making the experience as easy and enjoyable as you possibly can.
Remember: it’s not about who spends what, it’s about sharing this once-in-a-lifetime celebration with the people you love most. Keep things clear, kind, and considerate, and your wedding party will be cheering you on, not stressing about their bank balance.
